International Social Security Agreements

Summary of International Social Security Agreements

Governmental agreements to address the problems that arise when a person who has worked in more than one country during the course of a career pays taxes into, and claims benefits under, the social security scheme of more than one nation. The primary objectives of international social security agreements are to avoid double social security taxes and coverage for the same work and to assure that social security credits will be accumulated for work performed in other countries. In 1984 the United States had three social security agreements in force: with Italy (1978), Federal Republic of Germany (1979), and Switzerland (1980). Agreements have been concluded with Norway, Belgium, and Canada but await Congressional action. An agreement with Great Britain has been negotiated but not yet signed.

(Main Author: William J. Miller)